The spelling of the word "Gondor" is influenced by the pronunciation of the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈɡɑːndɔːr/. The first syllable 'gon' is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel /ɑː/, which is similar to the 'o' sound in 'awful'. The second syllable 'dor' is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel /ɔː/, which is similar to the 'aw' sound in 'jaw'. The silent 'd' in 'dor' adds to the spelling of the word but is not pronounced.
Gondor is a fictional kingdom created by J.R.R. Tolkien in his high fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings. Within the immersive world of Middle-earth, Gondor is one of the prominent realms of Men, situated in the south of the vast land. It is described as a noble kingdom with majestic cities and strongholds.
Gondor is characterized by its rich history and tradition, known for its valor and resilience in fighting against the forces of darkness. The kingdom is ruled by a line of kings, with its capital city called Minas Tirith, an awe-inspiring fortress built on seven levels, cascading down a mountainside.
The kingdom of Gondor is primarily portrayed as a bulwark against the evil forces of Sauron and Mordor, standing in defense of the free peoples of Middle-earth. It serves as a key ally to the protagonist races, including the Elves and Dwarves, in the ultimate confrontation against the dark lord.
Gondor's culture is deeply infused with ancient Numenorean heritage, exhibiting a mix of architectural brilliance, literature, and a high sense of chivalry. Its military, known as the Gondorian army or the Guard of the Citadel, is renowned for its highly disciplined soldiers and capable commanders.
In the wider sense, "Gondor" may refer metaphorically to an epitome of bravery, honor, and resilience, or to a kingdom in fantasy literature with similar characteristics.
The word "Gondor" is a fictional place name created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his acclaimed Middle-earth legendarium. It is the name of a kingdom in his high fantasy works, particularly in "The Lord of the Rings" series.
The etymology of "Gondor" is derived from Tolkien's constructed languages, specifically Sindarin, which is one of the Elven languages in Middle-earth. In Sindarin, "gond" means "stone" and "-or" is a suffix that denotes place or dwelling. Therefore, "Gondor" can be translated as "land of stone" or "stone dwelling".
It is important to note that Tolkien's invented languages and their etymologies often contain deliberate linguistic connections and meanings that add depth to his fictional world.